How to Make Holy Week Holy

crucifix and Bible

Now that Holy Week is upon us, I recognize that many catechists may be searching for resources to help those they teach and their families to truly enter into these solemn days to make them truly holy, or “set apart.” I’d like to offer some suggestions.

For starters, don’t forget this free slide presentation I put together a few years ago to provide an overview of Holy Week, the Triduum, and Easter.

Another Holy Week resource I offered a few years ago is timeless: a guide for viewing and discussing a 45-minute segment of the movie Jesus of Nazareth, depicting the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus.

One of my all-time favorite faith formation activities for Holy Week is an activity called “Looking for Clues,” which invites young people to enter into the Passion story by focusing on the many “props” that are a part of this story.

Loyola Press has a number of Holy Week resources available to assist you as a catechist but also to pass along to families to use at home.

On a personal note—but also an idea for catechists to use in their faith formation settings—I took the plunge and purchased my very first Resurrection set—a parallel to a Nativity set. (See the picture below.) After all, the reason we display a Nativity scene is because of what happened on Easter! Catechists may consider purchasing one for the learning space, while parents may consider it for the home. (I bought mine from Oriental Trading Company.) Remember, the Resurrection is a part of Holy Week, as we enter into the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday.

May you and those you teach, and their families, be filled with abundant graces this Holy Week!

About Joe Paprocki 2742 Articles
Joe Paprocki, DMin, is National Consultant for Faith Formation at Loyola Press, where, in addition to his traveling/speaking responsibilities, he works on the development team for faith formation curriculum resources including Finding God: Our Response to God’s Gifts and God’s Gift: Reconciliation and Eucharist. Joe has more than 35 years of experience in ministry and has presented keynotes, presentations, and workshops in more than 100 dioceses in North America. Joe is a frequent presenter at national conferences including the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress, the Mid-Atlantic Congress, and the National Conference for Catechetical Leadership. He is the author of numerous books, including the best seller The Catechist’s Toolbox, A Church on the Move, Under the Influence of Jesus, and Called to Be Catholic—a bilingual, foundational supplemental program that helps young people know their faith and grow in their relationship with God. Joe is also the series editor for the Effective Catechetical Leader and blogs about his experiences in faith formation at www.catechistsjourney.com.

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